Gabby's Law goes to governor

Liz and Tony Galbo of Monticello hold photos of their daughter, Gabby, who died of sepsis in May 2012.

SPRINGFIELD — "Gabby's Law," the legislation named for a 5-year-old Monticello girl who died from sepsis four years ago, is on its way to Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk.

The Illinois House voted 115-0 for HB 2403, which will require Illinois hospitals to adopt, implement and periodically update protocols for the early recognition and treatment of patients with sepsis or septic shock.

Sepsis, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is "the body's overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. It is difficult to predict, diagnose, and treat."

In Gabriella Galbo's case, she passed away after a tick bite went undetected and eventually developed into sepsis.

Her parents, Tony and Liz Galbo of Monticello, were in the House gallery Tuesday when the legislation was approved without debate. They received a standing ovation from House members after the vote.

Gov. Rauner already has indicated that he will sign the bill, said the Galbos and House sponsor Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth.

"He already told us on the 21st of April, when the Senate voted on it, that he was behind it," said Tony Galbo.

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said only that the bill is "under review."

"You can never be certain," Mitchell said, "but I'll talk to the governor's office and when he signs it the Galbo family, both sides, would like to come over here for that."

Liz Galbo called Tuesday's vote "bittersweet."

Tony Galbo said he and his wife now want to work to pass a parent's bill of rights in Illinois.

"The sepsis bill is very important for what happened to Gabby and other people," he said. "But a lot of things weren't taken care of in her situation, so the parent's bill of rights is important too."

They said they expected to be back in Springfield next year to work on that legislation.

In four legislative steps this spring, SB 2403 never received a "no" vote.